Do not feel like you have to wear a woman’s suit
The first and most important thing is to make sure that you are wearing clothes that you feel comfortable in and are wearing things that you want to wear. The women’s suit and pantsuit especially is a relic of women specifically trying to manifest the same kind of business-like look that men have. Some women can rock a suit very well, indeed, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing that, you can look at some professional dress options, opt for a blouse and jacket combo, or go any other number of ways. Quality and neatness are more important than choosing the specific set of garments that represent the business.
A good watch goes a long way
Aside from the outfit itself, you should pay mind to the accessories that you use to style the outfit. Women have more options when it comes to working attire accessories but, sometimes, the simplest answer and the usual answer is the right answer. This is the case with a good watch. Find a place where you can trade luxury watches and find the right timepiece to go with your outfit. Watches aren’t just aesthetic accessories, they are signifiers of success, as well. The luxury watch has always been associated with prestige, sophistication, and with respect. They are also inherently practical objects so they make you look like a person with practicality in mind, too.
Don’t overdo or over-accessorize
While you can use some accessories to add a flash of personality and even a look of success to your outfit, you don’t want to over-egg the pudding. Professionalism can work well with your style, but it’s about moderation and control, as well. A great work bag can be the only accessory you need outside of your watch or a piece of statement jewellery. The same tip goes for your makeup as well. There’s nothing wrong with a bold choice of lipstick or some mascara. However, things like smoky eyeshadow, a lot of bronzer, and other steps that make it a little too far can you look more like you’re ready for a night on the town than a day at work.
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Don’t show too much skin
Your mileage may vary, a lot, when it comes to your takes on how much skin to show in day-to-day life. Indeed, there are discussions to have around the whole notion that showing skin is “distracting”, especially for male co-workers, and whose responsibility it is to manage that whole thing. However, as far as modern standards work, showing too much cleavage or too much leg is going to see you running into problems. You should bear in mind that your skirt is naturally going to raise when you sit down, as well, which is why a lot of women opt for knee-length skirts in the workplace. Your workplace may have its own additional rules, such as not showing too much arm, so bear that in mind, too.
Have different outfits ready for different occasions
Not every professional function or environment is going to be the same as the others. For instance, you are going to have outfits that are practical, modest, and relatively comfortable for your day-to-day attire. But you might also want to put outfits together for different business needs, as well. For instance, if you’re meeting a client or giving a presentation, then you might want something that is a little more traditional business-like, looking to things like button-ups and pants (not necessarily pantsuits, though). Similarly, a professional cocktail dress can be an excellent thing if you’re going out for a business dinner or attending an event like a conference or award show.
The workplace as we know it is changing and, as such, work style is likely to evolve with it. For now, however, the tips above can help ensure that you nail the professional woman’s look.